The 14th edition of Pretoria Pride celebrated LGBTQ+ visibility, community and identity on Saturday, with a parade and festivities at the Centurion Rugby Club.
Held under the theme “Pride Reclaimed: United in Strength”, the event drew hundreds of people who gathered for the midday march through the streets of Centurion.
While participants carried few direct advocacy messages, they made their presence felt with rainbow flags, LGBTQ+-affirming T-shirts and a defiant celebration of queer identity.
Pretoria Pride celebrates queer community and identity
After returning to the rugby club, participants socialised and continued celebrating throughout the afternoon. Food vendors, retailers and organisations hosted stalls at the venue, while DJs, drag performers and live acts, including Stella Rose and Armand Joubert, provided entertainment.
One poignant moment saw participants release balloons bearing the names of lost loved ones into the sky in their memory.
Speakers also urged the crowd not only to enjoy the celebration but to remember those across Africa and the world who cannot live authentically and freely.
“None of us are free, until all of us are free,” exclaimed Joubert, to cheers from the crowd.
‘Pride is a safe space,’ says Pretoria Pride chairperson
Bruce Walker, chairperson of Pretoria Pride, spoke about the importance of the event to the queer community.
“Pride is a safe space. You can come here, be who you are, meet who you are, and be part of the community. You’re not alone,” he said.
Enjoy our extensive gallery of pictures of Pretoria Pride 2026 below.
